According to The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), a Home structure fire is reported every 90 seconds.

6/27/2018 (Permalink)

A dryer that a homeowner returned home to find just in time to remove before it caused significant damage to his home.

With our lives becoming more and more reliant on electronics are we more at risk for a fire? Think about the number of items in your home that have electronic circuitry, each one has the potential to malfunction and could be the cause of a fire in your home. While we keep adding devices in our homes, we also keep increasing the demand on our home’s electrical system. Are we creating a higher risk with each and every device we bring home and plug in?

Are you the type that leaves home with one or more of your appliances running in your absence? A recent homeowner took to Facebook to share his near miss with a malfunctioning dryer. Luckily the owner returned home in time to pull the dryer out of the house before it caused significant damage. While SERVPRO of Greater Waco is here to help you if your home suffers are fire or smoke loss, we are also here to help provide tips that could possibly prevent a fire from ever starting in your home.

Here are SERVPRO of Greater Waco’s Top 10 things you can do to help prevent a fire in your home:

• Test your smoke detectors regularly, we recommend replacing the batteries every six months for peace of mind to know that they will operate properly when you most need them to.
• Consider replacing old appliances before it is too late. As appliances age they become more likely to malfunction which could result in an ignition spark.
• Avoid overloading electrical circuits, most in home circuits are rated for 15amps. A general rule of thumb is not to put more than 80% load (12amps) on any 15-amp breaker, or risk overloading the circuit.
• Clean your dryer lint trap after each cycle and manually inspect your dryer vent at least once a year.
• Unplug toasters after each use and do no not store them on countertops where pets may knock them off.
• Do not run appliances when you are not home, especially your dishwasher, dryer, or washing machine.
• Do not use water, or flour, to put out a grease fire. Smothering or Baking Soda are the preferred methods.
• Select the proper gauge extension cord for the job, be careful not to overload them which causes them to overheat.
• Create and practice a home evacuation plan with all members of your family.
• Purchase and install fire extinguishers, they are handy when you need them.

Doing these simple things could help reduce your chances of experiencing a fire loss in your home. SERVPRO of Greater Waco is committed to helping reduce home fires to create a safer environment for your family.

We are always here to help, feel free to contact us at 254-224-5999 for all your Waco area Fire and Smoke needs.